Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Ning Yuyi had initially planned to use the remaining two days to catch up on sleep, but Zhou Erhe completely disrupted this plan.

"Why can't I sleep?" Ning Yuyi pouted. He hadn't been sleeping well on set, and now, even during his rest days, he couldn't catch a break.

"You're aware of the company's 7th-anniversary banquet tomorrow, right?" Zhou Erhe said, looking incredulous. "When I asked you to check Weibo, did you only look at your trending topics? Didn't you see the second blazing trend, 'Fenghua's 7th Anniversary'?"

Ning Yuyi remained silent.

To be honest, he hadn't seen it.

"I've already prepared your formal attire, and the company's paying for your expenses, so don't worry," Zhou Erhe instructed him meticulously, "I'll pick you up tomorrow evening. I've sent you the banquet details and attendee list on WeChat. Check it before you sleep."

"Okay," Ning Yuyi obediently replied.

As the top entertainment company, Fenghua naturally had its own dedicated stage.

The 7th-anniversary banquet was held on this stage.

Zhou Erhe timed his arrival with Ning Yuyi to coincide with the start of the banquet.

Half of the audience chairs below the stage had been removed, replaced by two long tables filled with snacks, pastries, and an assortment of wines and champagnes. Some company couples were waltzing on stage.

Zhou Erhe, wanting to find a quiet corner for a quick bite before heading home, led Ning Yuyi from the side entrance. However, as they entered, they ran headlong into Zhou Erhe's arch-nemesis.

"Oh, isn't that Erhe?"

Upon hearing the voice, Zhou Erhe saw a man with rainbow-colored hair approaching.

Trouble!

Instinctively, Zhou Erhe shielded Ning Yuyi behind him, forcing a smile, "Isn't this Joe? What a coincidence."

"Indeed," Joe replied, a man with heavy stage makeup following close behind, busy chatting on his phone.

"Is that the artist you've signed?" Joe had already noticed Ning Yuyi but continued his banter with Zhou Erhe before diverting the topic. "He has a handsome face. Even made it to the trending list the other day. He's got potential."

"Thanks, Joe," Ning Yuyi replied, lips pursed, sensing the underlying intentions of the man in front.

"Ah, such a well-behaved lad," Joe smirked, "Erhe, you're moving too slowly in the industry. Look at Ah Ming. In just half a year, he's risen so high. Your artist looks promising too. Want me to introduce someone?"

"No need for introductions. Your Ah Ming is indeed talented," Zhou Erhe's expression darkened at the mention, but he managed to keep his cool.

——After all, he was up against four men that evening.

Internally, Zhou Erhe was scoffing, but externally he showed no signs.

Joe sensed the underlying sarcasm from Zhou Erhe, his cheerful demeanor faded, leaving a more somber expression.

"I'll be taking Ning Ning and leaving now. See you next time," Zhou Erhe quickly said, pulling Ning Yuyi away.

Only after ensuring Joe was out of sight did Zhou Erhe stop, tiptoeing to double-check Joe hadn't followed. Relieved, he exclaimed, "That jerk is acting like a pimp, trying to find you a sugar daddy!"

"He found four guys for one of his artists in a single night, and it still wasn’t enough. Why doesn't he do it himself?" Zhou Erhe ranted on.

Realizing Ning Yuyi hadn't responded after his long tirade, Zhou Erhe looked up curiously to find Ning Yuyi gazing intently at something.

Following Ning Yuyi's line of sight, Zhou Erhe inquired, "What are you looking at?"

Ning Yuyi directed, "Brother Zhou, look over there."

Zhou Erhe responded, "I did. So what about it?"

Ning Yuyi hinted, "See that table full of food? Doesn't it remind you of your love for me?"

"...", Zhou Erhe retorted, "Stop that nonsense and be serious."

Ning Yuyi rubbed his stomach, "I'm hungry."

"Ma Shan will get it for you."

Moments later, Ning Yuyi contentedly savored what he'd been craving.

"I think I just saw our director of management. Wait here, and don't wander off. I'll be back in ten minutes."

"Mhm." Ning Yuyi absentmindedly nodded, his entire focus on the food in his hands.

Zhou Erhe touched his forehead in exasperation, reiterated his instructions, and then left.

After finishing most of his meal, Ning Yuyi finally looked up, taking a few sips of water from a nearby bottle.

Checking the time on his phone, he realized over twenty minutes had passed. Glancing in the direction Zhou Erhe had gone, he saw him being held up by a few individuals.

Just as Ning Yuyi contemplated messaging Zhou Erhe, Joe's voice echoed beside him.

"Well, if it isn't Erhe's little star." Joe, with a glass of champagne in hand, settled next to Ning Yuyi.

"Brother Joe." Ning Yuyi, even in his naivety, could sense Joe's calculated approach—distracting Zhou Erhe to corner him.

"With that face, that physique, it's a shame you've had no major opportunities yet," Joe remarked with feigned pity. "You had to fight for that third male lead role in Director Zhang's film, didn't you? Erhe's nurturing, sure, but he's not providing enough opportunities."

"Zhou is very good to me," Ning Yuyi replied, avoiding Joe's gaze.

"He might be good, but what's the use if he's not offering the right resources? We're in this industry for fame and money, right?" Joe produced a business card, placing it before Ning Yuyi. "This is my card. If you're ever seeking opportunities, come find me. I promise to elevate you to the pinnacle, even beyond Ah Ming."

Ning Yuyi furrowed his brows, choosing not to pick up the card, responding with robotic courtesy.

"Thank you, Joe. I'll mention it to Zhou."

Talk with Zhou about it?

Joe blinked in surprise, his eyebrows furrowing deeply. "No, what I meant was..."

Before Joe could finish, a chilly voice interrupted him.

"Ning Yuyi?"

"Huh?" Ning Yuyi turned around, and the first thing he saw was a deep gray suit.

Looking up further, oh, it was Fan Zhongchuan.

"Mr. Fan?" Joe rose almost reflexively, "You..."

"What are you doing here?" Fan Zhongchuan ignored Joe, asking Ning Yuyi in a low voice.

"Zhou went to toast the superiors." Ning Yuyi obediently replied.

"Hmm." Fan Zhongchuan adjusted his tie, "Come with me."

"What? Oh, okay." Ning Yuyi was somewhat puzzled by Fan Zhongchuan's intentions, feeling a hint of caution. He promptly forgot about Joe and followed Fan Zhongchuan away.

Fan Zhongchuan's appearance at the banquet was due to an invitation from Xie Yinan. He didn't expect to arrive and find the young man sitting in a corner like a timid rabbit, with a man looking rather sleazy hovering around him.

If Joe knew, he'd certainly cry foul.

While he might have harbored ill intentions towards Ning Yuyi, he certainly didn't wear a sleazy expression.

After all, he's been in the entertainment industry for quite a while. Even if he doesn't have the fresh youthful look, he's still fashionable.

Plus, he always cares about his image; how could he possibly have a sleazy look?!

……

Fan Zhongchuan walked steadily ahead, and in a fleeting moment, he cast a glance at the obedient rabbit trailing behind him, feeling a surge of irritation.

He couldn't determine if his annoyance stemmed from the number of people around Ning Yuyi or from his own lack of composure around him.

Irritated or not, Fan Zhongchuan led Ning Yuyi to a more secluded corner.

"Next time you see him, remember not to talk to him." Fan Zhongchuan's voice was calm.

"Huh?" Ning Yuyi tilted his head, pondering for a few seconds before realizing Fan Zhongchuan was addressing him. He nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

Seeing Ning Yuyi's thoughtful expression, the irritation in Fan Zhongchuan's heart subsided. A small smile crept onto his lips, and he affectionately patted Ning Yuyi on the head, "Good boy."

It was the second time Ning Yuyi received a pat on the head from Fan Zhongchuan, and he blinked in response.

Is Mr. Fan treating himself like a pet or his son?

Fan Zhongchuan, unexpectedly labeled as "Dad", was oblivious to this. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed Xie Yezhou approaching.

"What are you doing here?" Xie Yezhou joined them, smoothing out some disheveled strands of Ning Yuyi's hair. "Where's Zhou Erhe?"

"Brother Zhou is busy over there." Ning Yuyi vaguely gestured in a direction, "I'm not a child. I can be on my own, it's fine if Brother Zhou isn't by my side."

Hearing this, Xie Yezhou gave Ning Yuyi a head-to-toe appraisal, raising an eyebrow, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Hey, hey, hey! What's with that look?!

Noticing Xie Yezhou's raised eyebrow, Ning Yuyi sulked on his own.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Fan." Xie Yezhou shifted his gaze to Fan Zhongchuan, "It's been a while."

Fan Zhongchuan responded with a silent nod.

Ning Yuyi shrank back slightly, sensing the tense atmosphere.

Just as Ning Yuyi was thinking of excusing himself, a refreshing voice sounded from behind.

"Ah Zhou, Mr. Fan, why are you both here?"

Author's note: Well, this could be considered a battlefield of love.

。

。

。

。

。

There might be another chapter by dawn (if I don't fall asleep writing).

The...

The computer is fixed, but it had to be reset.

The system...

...Many files are gone now. Heartbroken.